Thanks to sponsorship from generous donors, the Agricultural Research Stations (ARS) are excited to seek applications for the 2027 Summer Experiential Learners (SEL) Program. The ARS’ SEL program aims to connect UW–Madison undergraduate students seeking to learn more about agricultural research with researchers and ARS personnel.       

The proposed opportunity must involve the student in both an applied research project and the day-to-day operational needs of the selected ARS unit, providing them with a balanced experiential learning opportunity as they consider their education and career goals. Awarded students will be mentored by both a faculty member and an ARS Unit Manager, allowing them to see how research programs and research farms are managed and experience, through diverse viewpoints and activities, the responsibilities associated with overseeing a research study.

Up to five students will be awarded for summer of 2027. Selected students will be paid $17 per hour. Additionally, each student will receive a $3500 stipend to assist with securing housing near the research station where the work will take place and to pay for applicable UW–Madison internship credits. Students selected for this opportunity must be undergraduates currently enrolled at UW–Madison. Preference will be given to those students seeking a degree that is granted from CALS.

Funding is intended to support an undergraduate student full-time for the summer with about half of the time spent on an individual research project in conjunction with a CALS faculty member and the other half spent on a variety of station/unit activities under the direction of an ARS Unit Manager. At the conclusion of the summer, the student will be asked to provide a brief presentation about their research work during the summer. Final arrangements for this requirement will be mutually agreed upon during the summer internship.

Applications for the summer 2027 internship opportunity should be submitted electronically with all required signatures to arsinternships@cals.wisc.edu. (Applications should not be submitted via RAMP.) A complete application must have a statement of interest from the student and a proposed program of work from the faculty and ARS station. Applications will be accepted until end of day Monday, December 14. Selected students and mentors will be notified in early January 2027.

Please direct all questions to Mike Peters, director of the Agricultural Research Stations, at peters2@wisc.edu or (608) 212-9458.